Surf Dangers

82 people drowned around the coastline in 2006-07, according to the National Coastal Safety Report, released on 1
December, to mark the fi rst day of summer. The report, compiled by Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) using information
on coastal drowning deaths from the National Coroners Information System (NCIS) and Surf Life Saving’s own incident
database, plays an important role in developing policies and procedures for reducing the rate of coastal drowning and
injury. Other key fi ndings were:
• Of the 82 people who drowned around the coast, 40 were in NSW, 8 in Queensland, 12 in Western Australia, 11 in
Victoria, 4 each in South Australia and Tasmania, with 3 people drowning in the Northern Territory
• Males accounted for 69 (84%) of coastal drowning deaths
• 32 (39%) were more than 5km away from a location patrolled by surf lifesavers or lifeguards
• 10 (13%) of coastal drowning deaths involved either alcohol and/or drugs
• 11 people (13%) from overseas countries drowned
SLSA CEO, Brett Williamson OAM said that Surf Life Saving had developed a series of initiatives to address key water
safety challenges, including:
• targeting high risk or ‘black spots’ for coastal drowning, which could be geographic locations, particular times of the
day or certain demographics
• expanding on surf lifesaving patrolling services using improved technology and services through the use of more
advanced equipment, information technology and research
• increasing education programs for at risk groups, including international tourists, people from a culturally
and linguistically diverse background, rock fi shermen and other Australians with a need for targeted water
safety education
More information Mo Contact your Surf Life Saving